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Yesterday Proves That The Battleground For Social Change Is Online

It’s ok to feel angry today. I do too. What initially seemed like it could have been a monumental achievement for humankind has toppled over itself in what has become a dark day in history.

We now all know the feeling of having true progress for humankind within our reach, and have it slip away. Stolen.

I am, of course, talking about the absolute legend who attempted to pick up a Bunnings snag via drone, and may cop a $9,000 fine for it. This is truly a sad day, not just for our nation, but for creativity and the human spirit.

PRANK! That was a prank. I’m actually talking about the US election election. You got pranked.

Last night on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert I saw that more than 4 in 10 Democrats and Republicans say the other party’s policies are so misguided that they pose a threat to the nation. Regardless of your political views, both sides of politics are feeling the tension right now. The internet is awash with fearful barbs being thrown from both sides of the fence.

Aside from Trump’s victory, there have been many signs that the tensions between us all are being stretched incredibly thin. Such as earlier this year, when Sonia Kruger called for a ban on Muslim people entering the country.

There’s a lot of mud-hate slinging going on at the moment. In this environment it’s easy to feel hopeless – like there’s nothing you can do to stop the spread of intolerance. That feeling is dangerous, and can stop us from even trying to turn the tide. But there is so much we can do, and the battle ground of 2016 is online.

Last week I went to an event put on by Google and YouTube called Share Some Good to address the question: How can we stop the spread of hate online?

The idea was simple: get a bunch of young people who are a bit scared by the way the world is heading in a room together, shake some hands, exchange some phone numbers and have some conversations about how to fight online racism and prejudice.

If you didn’t get the chance to attend yourself, I’m assuming that’s pretty much everyone, the bottom line was about creating and sharing a positive message of inclusiveness, tolerance, understanding, patience, appreciation and love.

The tools to create, debate and share content have never been more easily accessible to anyone. The camera on your phone can most likely record a better film than any professional camera from a years ago. YouTube and Facebook can spread your message faster than any campaign from a decade ago. You have the tools. Now you just need to make something.

In fact you should just make anything. Start anywhere with anyone. Even if you just want to turn a camera on and pour your feelings into it for awhile, that’s fine too.

If you’re feeling passionate and empowered about spreading positivity online, Share Some Good have popped some handy resources together to help you make something brilliant, smart and thought provoking.

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